TAM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TAM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax) combined with alcohol are dangerous primarily because: → Both are CNS depressants that together can suppress breathing to life-threatening levels
2. What is the minimum legal age to serve alcohol in Maryland? → 18 years old
3. How can servers promote customer safety while serving alcohol? → Serve alcohol only with food and monitor behavior
4. Stimulant drugs like cocaine or MDMA taken with alcohol can create a dangerous false sense of sobriety because they: → Mask the sedative signs of alcohol while the liver still processes it at the same rate
5. A patron on muscle relaxants is drinking at your establishment. Muscle relaxants combined with alcohol most commonly cause: → Enhanced sedation, dizziness, and risk of falls
6. Which of the following is a sign of intoxication? → Slurred speech and loss of coordination
7. What is the best way to handle a situation where a customer becomes aggressive? → De-escalate calmly and contact security or police
8. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for training & staff development in TAM practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
9. A patron exhibits signs of stimulant use (rapid speech, hyperactivity) combined with odor of alcohol. As a TAM server, your PRIMARY concern should be: → Refusing further alcohol service due to visible altered state
10. What should you do if an ID appears to be fake or altered? → Refuse service and notify a supervisor
11. Which statement about alcohol and energy drinks (containing caffeine) is accurate for TAM-certified servers to understand? → Energy drinks mask fatigue, causing drinkers to consume more alcohol than they realize
12. What is an appropriate intervention technique for an intoxicated patron? → Offer food or water and speak calmly
13. At what BAC level does Maryland define the lesser offense of Driving While Impaired (DWI)? → 0.07%
14. What feature should you always check on an ID? → Photo, expiration, and holograms
15. Alcohol combined with over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen (like Tylenol) raises concern primarily because of risk to the: → Liver
16. When evaluating whether to serve a patron who appears impaired, which factor is MOST important under Maryland TAM standards? → The patron's observable behavior and physical signs of impairment
17. Which action should a server take if a guest is intoxicated? → Refuse service and offer water or food
18. Which of the following counts as ONE standard drink under U.S. guidelines? → 5 oz of wine (12% ABV)
19. At what age is a customer legally allowed to purchase alcohol in Maryland? → 21
20. Under Maryland law, an alcohol server who knowingly serves an already-intoxicated person (regardless of cause) may face: → Personal civil liability and potential criminal charges under dram shop laws
21. How should staff respond when a sober friend offers to drive an intoxicated guest? → Support the decision and help with a safe exit
22. Why is it important to train staff in responsible alcohol service? → To reduce liability and improve safety
23. A patron on antidepressants (SSRIs) appears more intoxicated than their alcohol consumption should cause. This is MOST likely because: → SSRIs can interact with alcohol to amplify impairment and lower tolerance
24. Which ID is considered valid for alcohol purchase verification in Maryland? → Government-issued photo ID
25. Which of the following is a physical sign that might indicate a drug-alcohol interaction rather than alcohol use alone? → Pupils that are unusually dilated or constricted
26. In the context of TAM certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing establishment policies & procedures? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
27. In the context of TAM certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing special event alcohol service? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
28. What is the best course of action if a customer appears intoxicated? → Stop serving alcohol and offer water or food
29. Which of the following BEST describes the role of a TAM-certified server regarding drug-alcohol interactions? → To recognize signs of impairment, refuse service when warranted, and protect patron safety
30. Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body? → Liver